Celtic’s League Cup win was probably the most nervy out of every cup win the Hoops fans have seen over the last trophy-laden decade.
Quadruple Trebles and another nine-in-a-row has allowed the Celtic fans to taste numerous wins at Hampden but none have been so tense as watching the Bhoys beat Rangers on penalties.
Daizen Maeda’s winning penalty secured the League Cup which was Rodgers’ tenth trophy as the Hoops boss.
And reacting the the win, the Northern Irishman praised his Bhoys as Celtic showed bravery and courage to hold their nerve to win the tense penalty shootout.
Brendan Rodgers praises Celtic’s ‘heart and desire’ after beating Rangers
Rodgers told Celtic TV, “It was a really tense game and the players had to show a lot of heart and desire, and a lot of calmness and composure to get the win.
‘But it’s such an amazing feeling. I said before the game that, in finals, you don’t expect everything to go your own way and that was certainly the case in the game.’
“We had some good spells but we were very loose in the first half, and in fairness to Rangers they capitalised on it, especially for the first goal.
“We just needed to find a rhythm and get the ball moving, and we started the second half really well.
“But the game goes all the way through to extra-time and then you have to show that mentality and patience and composure to score your penalties. And that’s twice now at Hampden we’ve been very good on the penalties.
“I’m absolutely delighted for everyone involved with Celtic to win and we’re really pleased.”
Brendan Rodgers’ message to Celtic fans after League Cup win
The Celtic fans were in fine voice throughout the Hampden final and that was not lost on Rodgers as the Hoops gaffer paid tribute to Parkhead support.
“Over the course of the night and the next couple of days, it’ll probably sink in more,” Rodgers continued, “It’s probably more relief now, when you’re stood there.
“And I know the magnitude of this game – a Celtic-Rangers game. It’s so big and supporters all around the world would have been tuning in to watch it and all they want to see is their team win and pick up the trophy. And we’ve been able to do that.
“There are things for us to learn and pick out from the game where we can be much better, but overall we showed that heart and desire to finish the job. So it’s just real pride in the players and for the supporters.
“If it was about deserving a trophy, then they would have had it before the game but you have to earn it and it caps off a really good start to the season for us.
“We’ll play better than we did today but finals can be like that at times what you want to make sure of is that you’re on the podium at the end, and we were on there, so I’m so happy for everyone and we can all enjoy the moment.”
Celtic supporters will be enjoying this week as they celebrate another League Cup win over Rangers. The last time the Hoops beat the Ibrox club was back in 2019 as Neil Lennon took another step towards the Quadruple Treble with a 1-0 win over our rivals.
Yesterday’s win seems a little bit more sweeter for the Celtic fans. All the hype surrounding Clement and his team after their draw with Spurs in the Europa League looks a bit premature after another Glasgow Derby defeat.
Yes, some might say that Rangers got closer this time but it should be remembered that Celtic were at their poorest yesterday. Rangers threw everything at Rodgers’ side but still couldn’t find a way to win.
That is the mark of champions and that is why Celtic are the dominant club in Scotland.
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